The Robert E. Brown Center for World Music is pleased to collaborate with CU Folk and Roots Festival to present Nyttu Chongo, a St. Paul, MN - based, Mozambican musician who performs in the African storyteller tradition on percussion and strings. His training is based on the knowledge received from his grandfather, Mabihani Xhongo, and the Ancients, along with his studies at the Cross Roads Music School in Maputo, Mozambique. Representing a living past, Chongo’s performances on traditionally-designed instruments including timbila, m’bira, inanga, and musical bows (xitende, xizambi, xipendani) are an important continuation of ancient values, knowledge, and culture that must be shared. A 2020 recipient of an Artist Initiative grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, Chongo’s professional experience includes teaching, musical composition, production, and performance worldwide. Urbana-based percussionist Jason Finkelman will accompany Chongo on a few pieces and offer solo works illustrating the diversity of musical bows.
4th Annual CU Folk and Roots Festival Winter Weekend
January 30, 31 and February 1st in downtown Urbana, is the 4th Annual CU Folk and Roots Festival Winter Weekend. From night to night we’ll be bouncing back and forth between The Iron Post and The Rose Bowl Tavern.
A wristband for all 3 days is $30, available at The Rose Bowl Tavern or online at https://www.facebook.com/events/2853191188074585/
Schedule:
Thursday, January 30th at The Rose Bowl Tavern
- 5pm, Hobnob String Band (Bluegrass, Newgrass, and more: Local Urbana)
- 8pm: The Bottlesnakes (Blues: Piano and Guitar duo from St. Louis)
Friday, January 31st at The Iron Post
- 5 - 7pm: Dennis Stroughmatt and Friends (Creole & Cajun from Southern Illinois)
- 7:30 - 9: Nyttu Chongo and Jason Finkelman (World/Mozambique: St Paul, MN & CU Local)
- 9:30 - 11: Swing Chevron (Gypsy Jazz and Swing from Milwaukee)
Saturday, February 1st at The Rose Bowl Tavern
- 6 - 6:45pm: Cole Bridges and The Overpass (Americana folk and pop and songs: local CU)
- 7 - 8:30pm: The Chickadee Sermon *Album Release Party* (Comfort Folk: Local CU)
- 9pm - Devil In A Woodpile (Blues, ragtime, Jugband from Chicago)